Description:
POSITION TITLE: Registered Dental Hygienist
RESPONSIBLE TO: Dental Director
FLSA STATUS: Full time – Exempt, Part time – Non-Exempt
Purpose of Position: Registered Dental Hygienist will examine patients for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis, provide preventive care including oral hygiene, and educate patients about oral health.
Requirements:
Qualifications:
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Graduate from an accredited Dental Hygiene program.
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Have a current license in the states of Idaho and Oregon.
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Be CPR Certified.
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Be licensed according to state laws to administer Nitrous Oxide.
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Be licensed according to state laws to administer local anesthesia.
Responsibilities:
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Work with patients to conduct dental and medical histories.
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Conduct oral exams of the hard and soft tissues of the mouth.
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Notify the dentist of questionable areas on the hard or soft tissue.
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Evaluate plaque accumulation, calculus accumulation, bleeding upon probing.
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Perform scaling and root planning, curettage, oral prophylaxis and topical fluoride treatment.
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Place sealants.
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Provide patient education regarding oral hygiene problems (i.e. rampant decay, diet, periodontal disease, smoking cessation, OHI tools, and all other aspects of dentistry related to hygiene/preventive issues).
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Check and maintains clinical equipment and instruments.
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Take x-rays and assist the dentist when necessary.
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Sharpen and sterilize instruments.
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Help assistants in their duties as necessary and as time allows.
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Administer and monitor patients on Nitrous Oxide.
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Maintain OSHA records and evaluate overall cleanliness of the facility.
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Oversee chart reviews biannually.
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Take Continuing Dental Education courses required to maintain current licensure in Idaho and Oregon.
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Act as community advocate.
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Prepare dental education material to present and distribute to schools, community groups, day cares, and other interested parties.
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Provide dental screening as often as population increases and time allows.
Physical Requirements:
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Be able to lift without adverse effects weights up to 25 pounds.
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Be able to endure long periods of standing, sitting, bending or stooping.
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Have correctable vision and hearing.
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Be able to read, write and speak clearly.
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Possess the appropriate manual dexterity to perform successfully the duties described within this Job Description "Dental Hygienist".
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The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Environmental conditions:
The VFHC Dental Clinic work environment is much like that of a typical dental office where the risk of exposure to strong bright light, a high decibel level, ionizing radiation, and blood borne pathogens can and do exist.
